GOPHER (Testudo

See also:

• POLYPHEMUS

polyphemus)  , the only living representative on the North American continent of the genus Testudo of the family Testudinidae or land tortoises; it occurs in the south-eastern parts of the United States, from Florida in the south to the river Savannah in the north . Its carapace, which is oblong and remarkably compressed, measures from 12-18 in. in extreme length, the shields which cover it being grooved, and of a yellow-brown colour . It is characterized by the shape of the front lobe of'the plastron, which is bent upwards and extends beyond the carapace . The gopher abounds chiefly in the forests, but occasionally visits the open plains, where it does great damage, especially to the potato crops, on which it feeds . It is a nocturnal animal, remaining concealed by day in its deep burrow, and coming forth at night to feed . The eggs, five in number, almostround and 11 in. in diameter, are laid in a separate cavity near the entrance . The flesh of the gopher or mungofa, as it is also called, is considered excellent eating . The name " gopher " is more commonly applied to certain small rodent mammals, particularly the pocket-gopher .